General Motors / The Shammas Group: Replace the neon tubes of the iconic Felix Chevrolet sign in Los Angeles

In 2007, the Cultural Heritage Commission of the Los Angeles recommended that the neon sign towering above Felix Chevrolet on Figueroa Avenue be declared an Historic-Cultural Monument. This recommendation was blocked by the LA City Council out of concern that monument status could inhibit business growth. Darryl Holter of Felix Chevrolet promised at the time that "We built the sign and we maintain it. We keep it going. We've never made any plans to demolish the sign or do anything with the sign." In fall 2012, the sign's neon tubes were ripped out and replaced with LED lights as part of a "cost-cutting" measure partially financed by General Motors. The cold, thin light of LEDs is a pale imitation of the beautiful natural gas glow of neon--the neon which made this sign historic, unique and beloved by Angelenoes.

We the undersigned call on General Motors and property owners The Shammas Group to honor the legacy of their historic sign and their promise to the community and replace the neon tubes that have illuminated Felix since the sign was erected in 1958. LEDs are all wrong for this wonderful, wonderful cat. Please bring back the neon Felix that we love.

To stay informed about this preservation campaign, visit the Fix Felix blog.

Letter to

GM Media RelationsGeneral Motors

The Shammas GroupDarryl Holter / Carole Shammas

Mayor of the City of Los AngelesAntonio Villaraigosa

and 1 other

Councilwoman, CD-9Jan Perry

Replace the neon tubes of the iconic Felix Chevrolet sign in Los Angeles

In 2007, the Cultural Heritage Commission of the Los Angeles recommended that the neon sign towering above Felix Chevrolet on Figueroa Avenue be declared an Historic-Cultural Monument. This recommendation was blocked by the LA City Council out of concern that monument status could inhibit business growth. Darryl Holter of Felix Chevrolet promised at the time that "We built the sign and we maintain it. We keep it going. We've never made any plans to demolish the sign or do anything with the sign." In fall 2012, the sign's neon tubes were ripped out and replaced with LED lights as part of a cost-cutting measure partially financed by General Motors. The cold, thin light of LEDs is a pale imitation of the beautiful natural gas glow of neon--the neon which made this sign historic, unique and beloved by Angelenoes.

We the undersigned call on General Motors and property owners The Shammas Group to honor the legacy of their historic sign and their promise to the community and replace the neon tubes that have illuminated Felix since the sign was erected in 1958. LEDs may be cheaper, but they are all wrong for this wonderful, wonderful cat. Please bring back the neon Felix that we love.